The discussion revolves around the concept of weight and how it varies depending on location, particularly in relation to the vacuum height of mercury and the units used to express pressure. Participants explore the implications of using different measurement systems and the definitions of weight versus mass.
The conversation includes various perspectives on the definitions of weight and mass, with some participants offering clarifications on unit usage and the impact of location on weight measurements. There is an ongoing exploration of how different measurement systems handle these concepts, but no explicit consensus has been reached.
Participants note the ambiguity in the use of pounds as either mass or force in the American system, and the discussion touches on the legal and practical implications of weight measurements across different locations.
I assume ni2abs should be in2absolute.chito1 said:
Then how come the metrics world quotes weight in kilos whereas the yankee system correctly uses pounds?haruspex said:
The "yankee system" is ambiguous about whether pounds means mass or force.rude man said:Then how come the metrics world quotes weight in kilos whereas the yankee system correctly uses pounds?
And no, no one says "I weigh 80 Newtons"!
Weight depends on where you are.jbriggs444 said:
The "net weight" on a 16 ounce can of peas is 16 ounces regardless. At the equator. At the poles. In Death Valley. On Mount Everest, on the moon and in orbit. That "net weight" is a mass measurement. By law. Exactly as we would want. We would not want to buy and sell goods using a measurement that depends on location.rude man said: